Jeremy Fears Jr. Joliet’s All-American basketball player and a five-star recruit from Joliet West High School’s, has become a rising star in the competitive world of Illinois high school basketball. Jeremy Jr. has distinguished himself with his unique skill set, remarkable prowess, and outstanding performance on the court, which have captivated the Joliet community.
Jeremy discovered his passion for basketball during his junior high years and started taking the sport seriously, determined to improve daily. His dedication paid off as he received an invitation to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game, an exclusive event featuring the country’s best high school basketball players.
The McDonald’s All-American Game is considered one of the premier events in high school basketball, and many past participating players have gone on to have successful college and professional careers. The game has featured many NBA stars, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Jeremy will be the first player from the Chicagoland area to play in the game since Jalen Brunson in 2015. He’ll play alongside other top prospects like Bronny James and Ron Holland.
“My main goal is to go out there and give it 110%, whether on the offense or defensive end.
Jeremey Fears Jr
“There’s a level of excitement for everyone to see you play,” said the 6’1 guard about playing in the once-a-year exhibition. “I’m excited to play with my guy Ron, Bronny, and a few other guys.” He adds that his leadership, basketball IQ, and defense set him apart from the other players playing at the All-American Game.
“My main goal is to go out there and give it 110%, whether on the offense or defensive end. I want to go out there and play hard. I want to play a complete game no matter what.”
In 2021 and 2022, the 17-year-old prodigy added to his impressive resume when he won Olympic gold in the FIBA Americas U16 and U17 World Cup. He considers this achievement a blessing, as it allowed him to represent his country at the highest level of competition. During the 2022 World Cup, Jeremy led Team USA with 17 points and a game-high six assists in a 79-67 win over Spain for the title.
“It’s big time,” said Jeremy. “I got to represent the country. It was a great experience. I made great relationships and created bonds, but to win two gold medals, something people don’t do too often is a blessing to win.”
Although widely recognized as the top prospect in the state and among the top twenty players in the country, Jeremy remains humble and committed to his leadership role in helping his team succeed. He views his individual ranking as secondary to his team’s collective goal of winning. “I don’t look at it as me being the number one player. Because at the end of the day, I have to go out there and help my team get the win any way that I can.”
Scouted as a natural point guard with playmaking ability, excellent court vision, and offensive explosiveness, Jeremy Jr. believes that his leadership qualities are equally important, especially when faced with challenging situations during games.
He explains, “Leadership is about understanding your teammates and how to respond to each one. Basketball has its ups and downs, but staying positive is key. We must keep pushing through when things get tough and never give up.”
Jeremy Fears Jr attributes his desire to succeed to his father, Jeremy Sr. “My dad is my biggest role model. He played basketball overseas and in college, and I’ve always admired watching him play. I even watch old YouTube videos to see how he played back in the day,” says Jeremy Jr.
His father, once nominated to play in the McDonald’s All-American game and a member of the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team and Mid-American Conference All-Tournament Team while playing for Ohio University, taught him everything he knows about the game, according to Jeremy Jr.
The Fears family’s basketball lineage extends beyond Jeremy Sr. and Jeremy Jr. Jeremiah Fears, Jeremy’s younger brother, is quickly making a name for himself in high school basketball. As a sophomore and starting Joliet West guard, Jeremiah demonstrates that basketball talent runs deep in the Fears family.
Jeremiah’s remarkable ball-handling skills, ability to drive and finish around the rim, and impressive 3-point shooting have garnered attention from scouts and coaches at the collegiate level.
During Jeremiah’s freshman year, Jeremy played basketball at La Lumiere, a nationally-ranked prep school in La Porte, Indiana, due to COVID restrictions set by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) that disrupted the 2020-21 season.
Being able to share the court with his older sibling for the 2022-23 season, Jeremiah describes it as an “amazing experience.” Jeremiah states that his brother’s return has helped him “grow both as a player and a person.” However, Jeremiah admits to feeling the pressure of living up to high standards. But, he remains optimistic and determined to elevate his game even further, confidently stating that he aims to surpass his older brother.
Jeremy and Jeremiah have exceptional athletic abilities but are equally dedicated to their academic excellence. Juggling academic and athletic commitments can be challenging, but they agree that staying focused is essential for success. “Sometimes it does get tough,” says Jeremy. “Even with the long or early practices, you still have to make sure you handle school no matter what. Instead of going to the gym or out with friends, I may have to stay in and finish my work or get caught up on the work because grades are a big part of this process.”
Jeremiah adds, “It’s tough going to practice and workouts and still trying to get schoolwork done. However, staying focused is important because you still have to do the work to perform at a high level, both athletically and academically. My mother reminds me that the late nights, early mornings, and days when I am tired and unmotivated will all be worth it in the end. So I keep pushing myself, knowing my efforts will pay off one day.”
For the Joliet West sophomore, Jeremiah has several D1 colleges, including Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois, submitting their offer letters in hopes of landing the young, talented, and determined Fears. Jeremy has decided to attend Michigan State next fall but vetted offers from Illinois, UConn, and Gonzaga. “I chose Michigan State because I love the culture,” said Jeremy Jr. “I’ll get to play my first year. I can make mistakes and learn from a hall-of-fame coach, Tom Izzo. Everyone there, from the staff to the players on the team, is great. It feels like a family.”
Jeremy, “The Floor General” Fears Jr., and his brother Jeremiah Fears led the Joliet West boys basketball team to victory in the 2022-23 ISHA Regional Championship. This remarkable accomplishment marks the team’s second 4A Regional Championship win in just three years.
